1. Singapore’s Call for Stricter User Verification on Telegram​

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has intensified efforts to address Telegram’s role in facilitating fraud and illicit activities. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling emphasized that while Telegram prioritizes user privacy, its lack of robust identity verification has made it a haven for scammers, drug traffickers, and distributors of non-consensual explicit content. In 2024 alone, fraud cases linked to Telegram nearly doubled, prompting legislative discussions to mandate compliance with stricter anti-fraud measures.

​2. The Surge in Telegram-Related Scams​

Telegram’s encrypted features, including anonymous registration and large group capacities, have been exploited for crimes ranging from cryptocurrency scams to deepfake pornography. For instance, UNODC reports highlight Southeast Asian crime syndicates using Telegram to launder money via USDT and trade stolen data. In South Korea, “humiliation rooms” with over 220,000 members monetized AI-generated explicit content using crypto payments. These trends underscore the platform’s vulnerability to abuse without stricter oversight.

​3. Government Measures and Industry Collaboration​

Under Singapore’s ​Online Criminal Harms Act, two codes of practice—Online Communications Code​ and ​E-Commerce Code—require platforms to implement fraud prevention measures. Meta and Carousell responded by verifying high-risk sellers, leading to a 60% drop in Facebook Marketplace scams and a 10% reduction in Carousell fraud. However, Telegram’s resistance to similar reforms remains a challenge. Sun urged the platform to adopt government-issued ID verification, a strategy proven effective in curbing anonymous criminal activity.

​4. The Unique Challenge of Telegram’s Privacy-Centric Model​

Unlike platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram’s commitment to anonymity complicates enforcement. Criminals leverage its privacy tools—such as self-destructing messages and untraceable payments—to evade detection. For example, phishing schemes on Telegram often involve hijacked accounts to redirect crypto payments or spread malware. While Singapore advocates a “good-faith partnership” with tech firms, Sun warned of stricter actions if Telegram continues to resist accountability.

​5. Global Implications and Future Steps​

Singapore’s push reflects a broader global struggle to balance privacy and security. With Telegram-based scams escalating worldwide—including in the EU and Southeast Asia—Sun highlighted the need for cross-border collaboration. Proposed solutions include real-name verification, mandatory reporting of suspicious channels, and leveraging blockchain analytics to trace crypto-linked crimes. As governments weigh legal frameworks, Telegram’s response will set a precedent for regulating encrypted platforms.